Sky Islands Grill & Grocery — Restaurant in Four Corners States

We visit the Portal Az area several times a year and watched the building progress of the Sky Island Grill over several years, because it was done with highest quality and care. Now I have finally had a chance to eat there and I was truly impressed. Altho located in a backwoods (ok, back desert) location between the tiny towns of Rodeo, NM and Portal, AZ, the food is of the quality and variety of a large urban restaurant. There are veggie options, gluten-free sandwiches and pizza, beer and wine. I had a turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich on gluten free bread. There was a very generous portion of turkey, which actually tasted good, and bacon, and the bread was excellent. I wasn't able to eat it all and so had the rest for dinner that night. My husband had a hamburger with blue cheese on it which looked great. The sandwiches all come with a side; fries, salad etc. The wait staff (also the owners!) really hustled to keep everybody happy. It's true that the prices were higher than one might pay in a country diner, but you get what you pay for. These folks are using very high quality, healthy, high quality food, and it was definitely worth the price. Plus they are hosting meals for events such as Valentine's Day, Super Bowl etc. What an asset to this community. Thanks Jeff and Kim! I...

As it turns out, the long awaited opening of the Sky Islands Grill was worth the long wait. My wife and I are New Yorkers who have been driving out to Arizona/New Mexico for a number of years. This new establishment is the perfect complement for the (very) nearby Chiricahua Desert Museum, as now museum visitors have a place where they can eat and relax after experiencing that amazing institution. The Sky Island Grill serves well prepared comfort food, home-baked delicacies, and good pizza. It also has a small but surprisingly well stocked grocery store. If not too busy, they will allow you to linger after a meal and catch up on your email (wifi is hard to come by in these parts). Think of it as an oasis in the desert. And let me add that co-owner Kim, who we'd previously met while working at the museum, is one of the nicest people in Arizona or New Mexico. There is nothing not to like about the Sky...

Expecting to upgrade to 5 stars after I try their food on the next visit! I have been visiting Portal /Cave Creek Canyon regularly for a few years - even more often lately - and have been excited to see this place open up. I stopped in today to scope out the offerings for future reference and was pleased with the grocery selection and promise of quick bites ... I visited before noon so I didn't see any hot dogs on the grill. or ready to eat pizza - but I am pleased to know they exist. The grill menu also looks appetizing, and great to have within a quick drive of the campgrounds and lodging in Portal. The one major thing that I would wish for is for them to add a gas pump or two! With the next closest gas being in Animas, NM - about 30 minutes away - I can't imagine that it wouldn't be a money-maker, as well as a service to the community...